CIRCE

By Madeline Miller

Description

"A bold and subversive retelling of the goddess's story," this #1 New York Times bestseller is "both epic and intimate in its scope, recasting the most infamous female figure from the Odyssey as a hero in her own right" (Alexandra Alter, The New York Times).

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child--not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power--the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world.#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER--NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR, The Washington Post, People, Time, Amazon,Entertainment Weekly, Bustle, Newsweek, the A.V. Club, Christian Science Monitor and Refinery 29, Buzzfeed, Paste, Audible, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Thrillist, NYPL, Self Real Simple, Goodreads, Boston Globe, Electric Literature, BookPage, the Guardian, Book Riot, Seattle Times, and Business Insider

Reviews

Singular

5

By farfromkix

I have never read a novel quite like it. I’m not an avid reader of mythology so was surprised by how quickly I became immersed in this deep tale and its themes that go beyond the anticipated. Vivid, beautifully crafted language and storytelling — truly gorgeous — and twists and turns so compelling. It captivated me and resonated on levels completely unexpected. Did not want this book to end!!

An Incredible Story of Realization

5

By LLH_reads

This book moved me in ways I didn’t think possible. Mythology is not a subject I’m fond of, and I was intimidated that the complicated cast of famous characters would distract me trying to keep the relationships straight. But, I was proven wrong. Miller weaves her story beautifully and makes it easy to draw connections between the gods, mortals and monsters. Circe is more than a retelling of an age old tale, it’s a coming of age - a story of realizing ones true purpose as a witch, a woman, a daughter and a mother exiled to learn about herself and her relationships through a series of adventures. Relatable in ways I didn’t expect, I highly recommend this.

Circe

5

By Sakurane

Beautifully written!

Circe, a most captivating novel!

5

By Lace54

Lovers of Mythology! Lovers of great stories! Get ready for a thrilling novel that encompasses both!
I had forgotten how interesting mythology is. Circe renewed my interest, and my first order of business after reading this book, was to download the first of Madeline Miller’s books about Achilles! I can’t wait to begin!
Miller is an extremely talented writer, whose way with words conjures up a scene so vividly in the reader’s imagination that it feels like real time......you are there! Each sense is piqued from her writing....you can smell the herbs and delicate flowers that Circe uses in her witchcraft, you can feel the icy grey-eyed stare from Athena, you can taste the figs and wine and mead, you can envision the six-headed Scylla, viciously ripping sailors from their ships as they sail through her waters, you can hear Helios, the Sun God, as he flies golden across the sky in his golden chariot! That’s just a taste of what lies ahead as you uncover this treasure of a book! I’m jealous!
I read this book on a beach trip! A perfect setting, as so much of the book is set on islands and on or near the sea. 5 Stars from me!

Circe

5

By Kbayham

I did not want this book to end. It was so beautifully written and the story was wonderful. Made me want to brush up on my Greek mythology, not to mention reading everything this author has written.

Very well written

5

By ericagbooks

Picked up this book for the beautiful language but continued reading for the gem character that is Circe! I was surprised that her story collided with many famous Odyssey characters. Miller makes Circe’s exiled life as an immortal goddess very intriguing. I also highly recommended The Song of Achilles!!

Beautifully written!

5

By Cameron Sutherland

So many great quotes in this book! I found myself hi-lighting all kinds of things! Also, wonderful story telling, and I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in Greek mythology!

Loved it!!!

5

By katjschn

One of the best books I have read in a long time. I have always loved mythology, the stories of petty gods and striving heroes. Circe is a fierce character and I loved every moment of her story. Miller has created a wonderful story and I highly recommend it!!!

Magnificent

5

By Blakewt

An incredible story about the Witch of Aiaia. It has become a member of what I would consider my required reading list.